4. ArtSpace West Gallery, 1426 N. Main St., (815) 963-1984 — “Let’s Celebrate — ArtSpace West Gallery Turns 4!”: Join in the celebration as the gallery features an eclectic mix of artists whose multi-faceted works have been featured since ArtSpace West’s opening at Fall ArtScene in 2008. Enjoy works in metal, wood, glass and multi-dimensional sculpture as well as oils, pastels, watercolors, photography, art-to-wear, jewelry and more.

7. Carpenter’s Place, 1149 Railroad Ave., (815) 964-4105 — “Heart and Hope”: Michael Wertz returns with exciting new photos added to his original collection of prints from his days of homelessness. Also, The House of Hope, made of amazing photographs of community members from every walk of life by photographer Jim Spelman, will be on display. Complementing these photo exhibits will be an intriguing mix of artwork by homeless guests from Carpenter’s Place.

11. Deborah Newton Studio, 130 N. Second St. (at Market Street), (815) 962-1476 — “New Original Work on Canvas”: Featuring special works for new collectors by Deborah Newton.

12. Ditullio’s Italian Market & Café, 2207 E. State St., (815) 399-2080 — “Kermit’s Wine and Spirits”: Artist Jamie Zander-Tarara will exhibit a variety of acrylic paintings and multimedia drawings from two different series of work. Her artwork combines bold colors with different styles and textures to highlight her imagery.

14. Emmanuel Lutheran Church Celebration Room Gallery, 920 Third Ave., (815) 962-6129 — “Beyond the iCon”: Who or what is “iconic” to you? Join Emmanuel artists and friends to see what they’ve been working on for this very unique exhibit — exploring the classic and maybe a little kitschy thrown in. Live performances and fabulous food will be offered both Friday and Saturday.

15. The Frame Shoppe/Gallery, 1641 N. Alpine Road, (815) 398-8400 — “Hand-Drawn Portraits”: Illustrator/Fine Artist Mary Flock Lempa, from La Grange, Ill., will be creating 9-inch by 12-inch pencil portraits from 20- to 30-minute sittings for a special ArtScene price. Drop-ins during the event are welcome, or call The Frame Shoppe Gallery in advance to place your reservation for a sitting.

19. Kortman Gallery at J.R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 N. Main St., (815) 968-0123 — “25: Rittenhouse @ Kortman”: An exhilarating exhibition of selected works by Cherri Rittenhouse, first artist and curator of the Kortman Gallery, marking the 25th anniversary of the gallery. These dynamic and exuberant paintings represent works created by Rittenhouse over the past 25 years.

21. Maximum Performance, 104 S. Madison St., (815) 985-3645 — “Divinity”: About a balance between physical and spiritual understanding of the human condition; about learning and understanding the divine gifts given to each of us and how these gifts make us individuals. This show is a celebration of individualism featuring artists Lenny French, David Zoberis Sr., Mark Snodgrass and Mark Johnson.

22. MedicineMan/510 Studios, 510 E. State St., (815) 969-0960 — “The Disquieted Few” announce the theme for this year’s annual exhibition, “Trigger Event.” The art will focus on the concept of phobias and the psychological catalysts that cause or inspire these often irrational fears. Each piece contributed will explore the cause and effects of traumatic circumstances and how these events shape the perception of our environment, presented in a variety of media including photography, painting, sculpture and video.

23. Michael’s Restaurant & Bar, 4002 E. State St., (815) 962-6419 — “Art in the Bar … It’s a Whole New World”: The wellness art of Jeanne Coe has taken an added dimension. It is also recognized as healing art — the balance and color help us all feel good. Ed Riddle’s sculptures promote his own wellness through metal. Ed’s strong, sturdy designs are ever-changing, as metal changes with the elements.

27. The Office, 513 E. State St., (815) 965-0344 — “Sister Act”: A show featuring work by two sisters. Jeanine Hutcherson will display her photography and Orian Hutcherson will display her mixed media.

29. Pirate Ninja Print Shop, 400 E. State St., third floor, (815) 218-6280 — “Disposable”: Disposable cameras are all that were used in this show. The cameras were modified to meet the artists’ needs, but once the film was developed, they couldn’t alter the photos in any way. Join in celebrating true creativity with a PhotoBooth from FotoPirates, a catered bar from Kryptonite and getting a chance to meet all the artists to pick their brains. Featured artists include Amanda Eckburg, Bobbi Sorensen, Brandon Maylum, Brian Arroy, Brian Milo, Britney Lindgren, Erica Sharp, Greg Farnham, Jarrod Hennis, Jesus Correa, Mossy Vaughn, Ryan Davis and Sarah Furman.

30. Poska, 2213 E. State St., (815) 316-2979 — “86’d — An Abandoned Art Exhibition”: Timeworn character combines with new innovation in the latest manifestation of MainfraiM design. Artists Jeremy Klonicki and Carmen Turner shed new light on the archaic, unveiling an original line of lighting elements that will inspire the place you inhabit. From ashes to earth, these relics — once on the brink of being lost — are transformed into lamps, pendants, sconces and chandeliers, ready to illuminate mind and space.

33. Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, 102 N. Main St., (815) 963-8111 — “Drawing for Real — Realistic Portraits of Rockford’s Citizens”: Maya F. Simmons has worked many years with the Rockford Area Arts Council’s ArtsPlace youth arts apprenticeship program as a mentor and visual arts instructor. Her portraits focus on capturing the essence of the sitter in banal locations and situations.

34. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., (815) 968-2787 — “Rockford Made 4356: Deill/Julin”: Born on the same day, in the same year — April 3, 1956 — in the same Rockford hospital, this exhibition celebrates Rockford artists John Deill and Jim Julin. Recipients of the Jessica Holt Purchase Award. Both are represented in the RAM Permanent Collection. Deill is a self-described painter with sculptural tendencies. Self-taught artist Julin is a sculptor best known for his monumental work in RAM’s sculpture garden, titled “The Big Chair.” Show runs through Dec. 27.

35. Shear Renewal, 2209 E. State St., (815) 596-0180 — “Scenes of Anderson Japanese Gardens”: Photographer Jeff Anderson and Rockford MELD have partnered to create an exhibit of photographs that showcase the beauty and tranquility of Anderson Japanese Gardens. This exhibit will feature the prints contained within MELD’s 2012 calendar, which will be for sale at the exhibit. All calendar proceeds benefit Rockford MELD.

38. Tom Littrell Design & Art Studio, 317 Market St., (815) 621-4668 — “Artists at Work”: This exhibit features Tom Littrell, Tabatha Dougherty and special guest artists. Experience a unique integration of fine arts and interior design as artists will be working LIVE at the studio. Visiting artists will have work on display in the gallery and will be actively producing in their chosen media.